The type of OSR we are investigating is hugely exciting not only because it is food grade and less harmful to the environment, but also because it is thermally-stable which has been a barrier to previous biolubricants.

—Keith Norman, Technical Director at Velcourt

Currently there are few alternatives available to the mineral-based products that can be harmful pollutants.

The new oilseed rape (OSR) will not only provide a high-quality renewable alternative, but will have low toxicity and be biodegradable.

OSR is the third-largest crop by area in the UK and is used as a break crop in wheat production. Sold both as a foodstuff and for biodiesel, growers are vulnerable to changes in EU policy, which could significantly affect the crop’s market value.

This new crop has the potential to protect growers from future market fluctuations by opening up a new multi-billion pound market for rapeseed oil as a biolubricant.

Our research focuses on the relationships between genome evolution and the control of plant characteristics that are of relevance to food security, health, conservation or sustainability. This project is a great example of harnessing our knowledge of genomics to do just that.

—Professor Ian Bancroft, University of York (UK)

The project is being funded by Innovate UK and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Other research partners include the University of York, Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) and Limagrain UK.